Budget HTPC/Gaming PC

[Paololanf]

Thinking about building a HTPC/Gaming PC to be hooked to my main TV.
Need updated advice (last PC built eight years ago....)


Approximate Purchase Date: next 2 weeks
Budget Range: 500 - 800 Euros
System Usage from Most to Least Important: (HTPC XBMC, Medium gaming)
Are you buying a monitor: No, will be connected to 42 Inch LCD TV
Parts to Upgrade: none
Do you need to buy OS: No
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon.it
Location: Milan, Italy
Parts Preferences:

Board Asrock H77 Pro4-M 69€
CPU Intel Core i5-3330 3Ghz 6MB 1155 Ivy Bridge con GPU 77W BOX 169€
HDD OCZ SSD 2.5" Sata III Agility 4 - 256 GB 175€
Power OCZ StealthXStream 2 500W + GOLD RATED Ultra-quiet double-ball bearing fan EU Cable 60€
Case Silverstone SST-GD04S case 102€
Memory Corsair Ddr3 1600Mhz 4G 2X240Dimm 21€

Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
Additional Comments: Need quiet PC to be placed in living room
Why Are You Upgrading: my Asrock 330 is getting old


Any input will be appreciated

Thanks

 

[FinneousPJ]

AMD A10 is best if you're not using discrete graphics.

 

[Paololanf]

Thanks,

I have considered it, but I was worried about power consumption

Any recommended board?

 

[FinneousPJ]

Why are you worried about power consumption?

For the A10 I would recommend A75 or A85 depending on pricing in your country. ASRock is usually quite competitive.

 

[Paololanf]

Why are you worried about power consumption?

For the A10 I would recommend A75 or A85 depending on pricing in your country. ASRock is usually quite competitive.

The HTPC is bound to be on most of the time (maybe not quite 24/7 but close). Higher consumption --> higher cost and potentially higher temperature --> more noise from the fans?

Also, would not the i5 'age' better (especially if I decided to go for a separate graphic card down the road)?

 

[FinneousPJ]

Actually the A10 seems to have lower idle but higher load consumption. If it's just "on" that's obviously idle.

But anyway, if you want the i5, buy the i5. You don't have to convince me :lol: